Karen Goodman Catering – Serving Buffalo, NY and all of Western New York

Testimonials

Dear Karen,

I tried to call you after the Bar Mitzvah, but I wasn’t able to get ahold of you. I wanted you to know how thrilled we were with the catering of our Zombie Bar Mitzvah. Your staff completely outdid themselves with their unexpected attire! I must say, I lost track of how many people commented about how great it was that your staff had “zombie” fever too.
The food and displays were, as expected, amazing! I love your attention to detail, combining presentation with a superb meal, and how your staff seamlessly transformed each stage of the event. I don’t think I noticed any of the transitions from au ‘devoirs, to main courses, to dessert – it was like magic.
Please know that should another occasion arise to throw a fabulous party, you will be the first person I call. It was such a pleasure working with you for both of our events. You were the one element of the party planning that I didn’t have to worry about at all. I am “almost” sad that we are now finished with our Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.
Thank you again for a truly professional and wonderful catering experience!

Sincerely,Ellen and Robert ScumaciDecember/2012
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Dear Karen,

I was at the memorial service Saturday for Bob Barends and the following reception. I wanted to compliment you on how sensitive your servers were. I had eaten and enjoyed a chicken satay. A friend then asked if it had plum sauce on it; when the answer was yes, my eyes shot wide open and I exclaimed: “I’m allergic to plums!” The server didn’t panic. She just had me follow her to the serving window where she verified that in fact it was real plums and someone asked if 911 should be called. I stated that I had my epipens on me, and if I started to have a reaction, then it would be time to call. Fortunately, nothing happened.
Later in the reception, after I had spoken with Bob’s mother, I felt pretty miserable and, apparently, looked that way too. One of your servers asked if I was going to be okay, if there was anything she could do for me, and exhibited such compassion, in tone of voice, words and facial expression.
I took a card from one of your staff before I left because I wanted to commend you and your staff. I’ve never hired a caterer, nor had I heard of you before, but I’m saving the card because I know your staff will react appropriately to any situation.

What a weekend! Our family is still giving rave reviews of the awesome dinner and lunch you prepared. You and your entire staff could not have been more helpful, professional, and courteous. All that and a chocolate fountain on top!
Thank you for being with us and for making Amy’s Bat Mitzvah a special and memorable event for all of us.

Thank you so very much for making my parents’ fiftieth anniversary such a memorable experience for all. You and your staff and amazing. Everyone went above and beyond. The food was delicious. The staff was so very helpful, friendly and professional. Everyone raved about it!

On behalf of the staff of Strippit, Inc., thank you for being such a wonderful asset to
our monthly open house events!
Coordinating our open house events can be a challenge, and it is incredibly comforting to know that the one thing we can always rely in is that the food will be outstanding! You always go above and beyond our expectations to deliver fresh ideas and new menus and suggestions to ensure that our guests are wowed. Your signature lemon chicken is an all time favorite, as is the Mexican lasagna.
We especially appreciate your menu planning talent which takes into consideration the special dietary/cultural needs/interests of our guests whether they are from Montreal, NYC, Mexico or Belgium. If all else fails with an event, we know we can count on one constant – that we will get compliments on the food!
In addition to the great meals, we always have the benefit of your sunny personality.
We want to create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for our guests and you certainly
contribute to that goal. Your staff is always professional and personable, and that’s a great testament to you.
A heartfelt thank you for all that you do to help make our events successful. You will
always be our top, first choice for catering!

Thank you for “delivering” an awesome menu of nutritious and wholesome food for our annual Leadership Training Williamsville PTSA dinner conference. We received many flattering comments regarding the food. The attendants and our board members were very impressed with the food and many of us had wonderful lunches the next day as well. We look forward to partnering with you in the future.
Thanks for being proactive by being prepared with the containers for leftovers. That
was very much appreciated. Though one or two comments suggested that the wraps
from the previous year were missed, the vast majority I believe appreciated having the hot meal on a cold February night. Bravo! Thanks again.

Craig J. Schmidt
Williamsville PTSA Board February/2010

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Dear Karen,
Thanks for all your help – It was a very successful party! If you would like to use me as a referral I’d be pleased to help.

Harriet HalpernJune/2009

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Dear Karen,
On behalf of the Pro Zoo Board and the Zoological Society of Buffalo, I wish to thank you for your participation in Polar Bites 2008. You played an integral role in the success of this year’s event, which I am proud to report raised more than $30,000. I would also like to inform you of the event’s winning vendors, selected by our nineteen celebrity judges.
As the Zoo looks to the future, it is deeply gratifying to know that there are friends like you who are willing to support the region’s most visited cultural and educational institution.
Again, I thank you for your outstanding generosity and kindness and look forward to you joining us again for our next Polar Bites on Feb 19, 2009!

Donna M. Fernandes, Ph.D.
President, Buffalo ZooFebruary/2008

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Dear Karen,
I wanted to thank you and your staff for another successful New Year’s Day Open House. Notes I received specifically mentioned the delicious food. I appreciate your gourmet skills and your professionalism. I think we’ve started a tradition!

Michele HopeJanuary/2007

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Dear Karen, Tina, Timmy & Cassandra,
The words “thank you” just don’t begin to express Rick and my feelings about the incredible success you created in our home last Saturday! We are still glowing and keep hearing such wonderful compliments about the food, the attentiveness of you all and just how much everyone enjoyed the evening. The ‘extras’ you provided – cheery personalities, décor, candles, great conversation – and disappearing as if you’d never been here – just leave us so grateful. We’ve never done anything like this before – but know when and if we do – you are it!!
With heartfelt thanks and best wishes for the holidays and New Year.

Karen,
Thank you so much for a wonderful party. Our guests raved about the food and your staff was helpful and professional. You made it easy for me to enjoy my own party, spend time with my guests and have a spotless kitchen at the end.

Marilyn BrockNovember/ 2005

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Dear Karen,
Thank you so much for making our wedding so phenomenal! Everything was just as I had imagined it…and then some! Your attention to detail and last minute surprises made the evening so memorable, everyone is still raving about it!
I can’t tell you how big a hit the fruited vodka was. It looked so beautiful and it really stood out. I also want you to know that Lee and I made sure we had time to sample all the appetizers and we ate dinner, too! It was even better than when you made it at my moms!
Thank you so much for all of your hard work and diligence! The wedding lived up to and surpassed all of our dreams!

Danielle & Lee ShainbrownSeptember/ 2005

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Dear Karen (and Tim!),
Thank you so much for the donation of the chocolate fountain to our New Beginnings celebration on Sunday. It was a huge success and definitely a big attraction for the event.
We’re so grateful for all you do at Westminster – providing us with wonderful food to share together as a Church family. Thank you for your generosity.

Betsy Mitchell (Westminster Presbyterian Church)May/ 2005

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Dear Karen,
Thank you so very much for the outrageous kugle. I had four helpings in all which makes me a little angry! It was so good to see you again and so very very kind of you to remember my passion for your kugle. We couldn’t wait to take it home so we devoured it on Sunday for brunch and it was well worth the calories.
Thank you so much for being so kind and for making such an outstanding lunch for Max’s Bar Mitzvah. I heard from many people that night that it was the best post Bar Mitzvah lunch they had ever been to because the food was so unusual and delicious.
Thank you for helping to make it a great day for Max and for all of us.

Amy Herer MorrisApril/ 2003

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Dear Ms. Goodman,
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come in and make muffins with the class! The kids really enjoyed creating their own muffins with all of your wonderful “add-ins”. They were all delicious! I knew that it meant a lot to Sarah that you could join us for the morning, too! We will definitely schedule another “baking lesson” in 2003! Happy New Year!

Deb D’Angelo
(Teacher at Dodge Elementary School)December/ 2002

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Dear Karen Goodman:
I wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the wonderful work you did with the Buffalo Medical Group Dermatopathology Laboratory party. I have heard many favorable comments. Everyone enjoyed the food and also the chance to talk to your courteous and friendly staff.
I look forward to working with you again. With best regards!

Thomas N. Helm, M.D.December/2002

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Dear Karen,
Thank you so much for the great job you did with our party. You, the staff, the food all got rave reviews. Several people have asked for your card and I really hope you get some more parties from it. I’ll be calling the very first chance I get to have another.
Thanks again and great success to you.

Amy FricanoFebruary/2002

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Dear Karen,
Thank you for helping to make Tom’s surprise party a huge success. Everything was wonderful and your staff was the best. All guests raved about the party.
Thank you again for your expertise.

Lisa Flynn BurtonDecember/ 2001

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Dear Karen,
Although, I could have put a check in the mail to you for the balance due, Jack and I feel that your catering of both the Kiddush and the Wedding in honor of Richard and Lisa deserves more than that.
Since, we do not live in Buffalo and our experience in making and attending affairs has solely been in the New York City area, we were extremely concerned as so how our needs would be met in Buffalo of all places! Thankfully, there was no need for concern!
You are a magician! You understood exactly what we wanted, not only for the Kiddush but for the Wedding as well. The Kiddush was presented beautifully and the food was Wonderful and Plentiful! Our guests were extremely impressed, and at that point we began to relax, realizing that we were in the hands of a professional.
The wedding cocktail hour, dinner and desserts were Superb! I knew we were in great shape, when all of my out of towners were standing as close to the kitchen doors as possible waiting for the next appetizers to appear. I must tell you that I do not even I like knishes, but yours I could eat every day. Karen, I could go on and on in our praise for you, however, we’ll just say thank you from the bottom of our hearts and hopefully we will do business together in the future!

Susan and Jack CazesMay/2000

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Dear Karen,
I want to thank you most sincerely for the lovely luncheon you offered us; the food was delicious, the service was beyond good and the entire luncheon was a 10+. Many of the Conference attendees told me how very much they enjoyed your luncheon and I am glad to read in your note that they indicated that to you as well.
It was especially gracious of you to invite people to return to the buffet; as you immediately noticed, many did just that and were grateful for the opportunity.
On behalf of all of us, both those who planned the Conference and those who attended, may I thank you and your staff for a truly excellent luncheon. With my very best wishes to you as your go forward with Catering by Karen; you most definitely deserve to be successful.

Joan Malone(Director, Coalition for Economic Justice)
May/1998

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Dear Karen,
Thanks again for catering after my father’s memorial service. The food, presentation, and service were excellent and it was a pleasure dealing with you. Pastor Charlie Bang, at Holy Trinity, said he was surprised that your “clean-up” was so complete.
I also liked the “historical connection” to you. My father was a customer and admirer of your father. Dad was born at Millard Fillmore in 1917 and grew up a few blocks from Gates Circle.
Thanks again – Please let me know if I can ever do anything for you.

Dave Henrich(Licensed Social Worker)February/1998

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Dear Karen,
Thank you for a successful backyard-catering event for our Bar Mitzvah weekend.
You and your staff took charge and delivered a terrific afternoon of food and friendship.
Your efforts and kindness were much appreciated.

Marge & Howard ReinSeptember/1997

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Dear Karen,
I am enclosing my check in the amount of $275.40 for the lovely luncheon you prepared on 1/24/96 for the Remson family. You were terrific and everything was delicious. I want you to know I appreciate your taking over and handling everything so professionally. I do hope in the very near future I can call on you for happier occasions. I am also passing the word around that “Catering by Karen” is tops.
Thanks again and the best of luck.

Lillian Hirschfield
February/1996

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Dear Karen,
We have heard nothing but raves about the food for the Spiritual and Healing Conference Weekend. The dinner Friday night was gourmet. Everything looked beautiful and tasted marvelous. I’m sure you could tell by the clean plates.
Karen, you truly out did yourself. Saturday, too, went smoothly with beautiful plates of food and a friendly efficient staff.
I can’t thank you enough for a job well done – You truly are an asset to Temple Beth Zion.